Q&A · 1:42:25-1:43:24

Why submarine aircraft carriers did not catch on

They lose their underwater concealment whenever they operate aircraft, while guided-missile submarines can strike without accepting that exposure.

Question

Why did submarine aircraft carriers disappear, and could nuclear propulsion and drones bring them back?

Short answer

They lose their underwater concealment whenever they operate aircraft, while guided-missile submarines can strike without accepting that exposure.

Notes

A submarine must surface to launch and recover conventional aircraft, surrendering its main protection at the most important moments. The requirements for underwater operation and flight operations pull the design in different directions. Nuclear propulsion and drones do not remove the exposure created by surfacing. Guided-missile submarines displaced the aircraft-carrying concept by delivering long-range effects without operating a flight deck.